Well, I guess it is not going to be quite that easy to get started on the gloves. typically I found I need a few other thing before I can get going. I did find some beautiful pictures of flowers in Mira calligraphiae. The book I am using is still under copyright so I cannot post pictures here unfortunately. Here is a link to the book I used which shows a couple of pictures of flowers, but not any of the ones I am planning on using. http://www.getty.edu/art/gettyguide/artObjectDetails?artobj=1756&handle=book&pg=1

The ones I chose are a tulip, iris, violet, lilly and columbine. I do want to check on the symbolism behind the various types of flowers before I make my final decisions.

Then I looked into my fabric stash to see if I could find some nice satin, preferably silk. Ha! Just as I was writing that I suddenly remembered I had stashed a bunch of silk remnants in a drawer in my bedroom. I just found the perfect piece: a beautiful white silk satin just the right size. that is one hurdle over.

I did have to go to the store and pick up a new embroidery frame. I already have two, but of course they already have a partly finished project on them. Now I have one just for the gloves. I also have enough white linen for the interlining. Next I need to figure out the size of the cuffs and mount the fabrics on the frame.

I am very excited. I just ordered a new book from Australia on early bobbin lace. http://www.lacedaisypress.com.au/publication1.html I have her beginners book on bobbinlace which I think is one of the best for complete, but not intense instructions. The picture on the cover of the new book shows some great examples. According to the blurb, there are 30 patterns in it. that is a huge number. Up until now, I have only been able to find maybe 10 reprductions of pre-seventeenth century pieces. If I cannot find a lace pattern in here for the outside edge of the gloves, I will have to start working on one of my own interpretations.

In the mean time I am working on my first peerage scroll. It is a Pelican, the society's highest award for service. I asked my apprentice sister to do the calligraphy for me. When I picked it up last weekend with the words written in, I was greatly impressed. Eva is really very good at doing the Gothic hand. Eventhough she did feel obliged to point out her worst word. Even her worst word was better than all mine. Well anyway, for my part I have just started putting the gold in. Luckily I have 6 weeks to finish this scroll, it is going to take a long time. This is as far as I have gotten so far. The calligraphy is covered to protect it, and keep the recipient a secret for now. As you can see, I am not very far along yet.